The new cycle route Šalková – Poniky in a natural environment is open, it measures almost two kilometers
As you have been informed by us, our Land Community is involved in the European SMURF Project, which is in line with the European Union Forest Strategy. One of its main objectives is sustainable forest management, economic viability and the effort to shape the future of small forest enterprises in Europe. We incorporate all the goals of the SMURF Project into our activities. This was also the case with the construction of a new forest bike path.
On September 19, we ceremonially opened the new Šalková – Poniky cycle route, which was created thanks to the support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development under the Rural Development Program of the Slovak Republic 2014 – 2022. The asphalt bike path is complemented by a gazebo with a fireplace and an information and educational board. The cycle route leads from the city district of Šalková towards the village of Poniky and will offer cyclists views of the wide surroundings and the opportunity to relax in the newly built gazebo. The new asphalt bike path was created on the site of a former dirt road, which until now could only be used by mountain bikers. The total length is 1852 meters. The cycle route connects to two state roads, namely the road that passes through the city district of Šalková and continues to the village of Môlča. The second exit of the cycle path is on the state road in the direction of Poniky, said Ivan Uhrík, chairman of the Land Association of the Compossessorate and Urbariat of Šalková.
Construction work on the new forest bike path began last November, and the construction was approved in mid-September this year. The local land association financed the project with the help of European funds, and the costs amounted to around 350,000 euros. The new cycle route will be attractive not only for cyclists, but also for families with children, for example for walks in nature, deeper acquaintance and, above all, a closer relationship between children and young people and nature and the forest. Among other things, movement in nature will also have a therapeutic and health impact on the health of children and young people. There is also a relaxation zone on the bike path, where people can use a gazebo with equipment and a fireplace, while the Šalková Land Association would like to further develop the site in the future. A project for the construction of a four-meter observation tower has already been prepared, which would offer a view of Banská Bystrica, Poľana or the Low and High Tatras. A suitable subsidy call is currently awaited. The construction of a new forest bike trail between Šalková and Poniki is also welcomed by the Regional Tourism Organization of Central Slovakia. Executive Director of OOCR Central Slovakia Jiří Pěč said:
„Cycling tourism is on the rise everywhere, including our region. Such safe bike paths are especially important. The cycle path is separated from any motor traffic by barriers, this is especially crucial for families with children.“
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